Maxim Fomitchev, Deaf performer in Cirque du Soleil and Disney’s ”Drawn to Life” in Orlando
(B-roll of exterior of the Cirque du Soleil tent at Disney Springs and a billboard advertising the “Drawn to Life” show)
(B-roll of Deaf performer Maxim Fomitchev providing clown and mime-style acts during the pre-show portion)
Maxim Fomitchev: This is the first Cirque du Soleil that has a story because they have partnered with Disney. Disney loves stories that include happiness, sadness, emotions, laughter, all the variety.
(B-roll of Deaf performer Maxim Fomitchev providing clown and mime-style acts during the pre-show portion)
Fomitchev: My role is based on a name I came up with, “Picablo.” He’s named after the famous artist Pablo Picasso. He was bald and would wear striped shirts. I observed him and it suited my role so I came up with “Picablo.” But I asked to add a toupee because I’m bald and I didn’t want that so with the toupee I can be creative and add more humor.
(B-roll of deaf performer Maxim Fomitchev providing clown and mime-style acts during the pre-show portion)
Fomitchev: I’m the only Deaf person. It’s a challenge, but they’ve welcomed me and they’ve seen my talent and opened up their arms. It feels like a new world for me to express my talent in public. I’m just really lucky to have this job.
(B-roll of Deaf performer Maxim Fomitchev providing clown and mime-style acts during the pre-show portion)
Fomitchev: If you see the show, you’ll notice I make many appearances. It’s a lot of work but I’m really happy about that. They recognize my talent and I’ve influenced others in the show by incorporating sign language and using the “deaf applause.”
(B-roll of Deaf performer Maxim Fomitchev providing clown and mime-style acts during the pre-show portion)
Fomitchev: I started training for this show in 2019 for three months in Montreal, Canada. During that three months we came up with various ideas for the role. Then we moved here in (Orlando) to train here. We put on costumes and makeup and all that. We were approaching the March 2020 world premiere date but about two days before that, it was announced that due to the coronavirus, everything would be shut down. It was a complete shock and caused upheaval. I thought we would only have to bear it for two or three months and things would improve. But after a few months, there were no changes. Many people’s lives went upside down. In July 2021, we were told to come back and start training. I was thrilled and came back.
(B-roll of the Cirque du Soleil tent at Disney Springs)
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(B-roll of the Picablo character waving and bowing to the audience after the show has ended with fellow cast members)
Fomitchev: I’m showing that I’m Deaf, I’m here, I can do this! There are no barriers.
(B-roll of “Drawn to Life” cast members waving and bowing to the audience after the show has ended)
Fomitchev: Come and see the show! I’m in it. It’s just not me that is great, as there are many other talented actors as well. Some are on the “Wheel of Death,” which it is called, and they do amazing somersaults. I feel like their act is impossible. It’s worth watching. There is also a very good teeterboard show where they jump up and flip. There are so many beautiful acts. The story, visuals, costumes, makeup, and there are projections on the wall of Disney animation. It is very visual. There is very little spoken dialogue. And of course it has comedic acts by clowns, which I’m a part of. There are a lot of things you will enjoy, you’ll laugh and experience a range of emotions. So, please come!